With the Canadian collective’s first album in seven years on the way, Kevin Drew reflects on what’s changed (technology’s unrelenting narcissism) and what hasn’t (the dependability of true companionship).

The Broken Social Scene leader and solo artist talks to Ryan Dombal about the music he'd play in certain life situations: gospel with his grandmother, Explosions in the Sky during a workout, Dinosaur Jr while running away from home, and more.

The Broken Social Scene leader talks to Ryan Dombal about being an underdog again, and details his two big 2013 projects: a collaborative LP with 60-year-old "Sugar, Sugar" songwriter Andy Kim as well as a streamlined new solo album.

Whether by patiently telling a drawn-out story, putting a surprising twist on a tired form, getting over on sheer force of personality, or being just gloriously messed up, these videos immediately jumped to the front of a very long line, demanded our attention, and stayed with us throughout the year.

We recently sat down with the Broken Social Scene linchpin for a sprawling, hilarious, and unerringly charming conversation about-- among many other things-- his famous band, Dinosaur Jr's J. Mascis, and his solo debut *Spirit If….
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Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew introduces us to a couple of Toronto bands, reminds us that Paul Young still exists, and tells us about an effects pedal that will keep you up all night long. [Interview: Tyler Grisham]